1917 Vintage portrait photograph of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, and pictured in uniform during WWI. He wanted desperately to serve America in the war, but he was not a citizen. His only avenue was through the Salvation Army who was short on chaplains, which is why we see the cross on his collar. This is the only image of Naismith in a WWI uniform we have ever seen and it presents well with exceptional quality. From the archives of NEA and stamped on the back with the date, this is a crystal clear piece of basketball history that is being offered here for the first time ever. The photo has some light creasing from news-room handling, but otherwise it presents beautifully.

Size: 4x5.75
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 2.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 7.5/10